Heart matters

The amino acid, taurine boosts cardiac muscle function in as little as two weeks to help combat heart failure.

In a double-blind, randomised trial, patients with heart failure were given either 1.5 g of taurine or placebo, daily for two weeks and were assessed using electrocardiogram and biochemical parameters.

Results showed a significant improvement in a number of cardiovascular markers, including heart rate, enhanced muscle contractility and myocardial oxygen consumption, and lower systolic blood pressure. Taurine can be safely prescribed in conjunction with heart medications. Its effectiveness is boosted even further when combined with magnesium (a further reduction in blood pressure), and folinic acid and vitamin B12 (supports healthy homocysteine levels).